By Diego López Marina
Chiclayo, Peru, May 11, 2025 / 18:23 pm
In a jubilant atmosphere, more than 10,000 faithful gathered in front of the Basilica and Cathedral of Santa María de Chiclayo in Peru to celebrate a thanksgiving Mass for the election of Pope Leo XIV, who was bishop of the diocese for more than eight years.
The celebration vibrated with joy following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez — both a U.S. and Peruvian citizen — as successor to Peter on May 8.
Dozens of local priests joined Chiclayo Bishop Edinson Farfán at the Saturday evening celebration. The plaza in front of the cathedral was outfitted with an outdoor platform and altar for the occasion, surrounded by musical bands and giant banners with the image of the pontiff and phrases from his first papal greeting from St.
In a vibrant and joyous celebration, the city of Chiclayo in Peru came together to honor the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and excitement as over 10,000 faithful gathered at the Basilica and Cathedral of Santa María.
The recent election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, as the successor to Peter on May 8, added to the jubilation of the event. Chiclayo Bishop Edinson Farfán, along with numerous local priests, led the celebratory Mass on that Saturday evening.
The plaza in front of the cathedral was transformed for the occasion, adorned with an outdoor platform and altar, complemented by musical bands and grand banners displaying the image of the new pontiff and excerpts from his inaugural papal address. The community came together to rejoice and offer prayers for the new chapter ahead.
Welcome to Peter’s Square!
Today, we are thrilled to share with you an exciting invitation to an apostolic visit from Leo XIV, the beloved pontiff known for his deep love for Peru. Leo XIV first visited Peru in 1985 and has a special connection to the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he served as pastor from 2014 to 2023.
During a recent homily, Bishop Farfán spoke about Leo XIV’s profound love for Peru and the spiritual bond he shares with the Peruvian people. Leo XIV’s devotion to the Señor Cautivo of Ayabaca, the Señor de los Milagros, and Peruvian saints like Rose of Lima and Martin de Porres is well-known. He has also embraced the popular religiosity of Peru, including celebrations like the feast of the Most Holy Cross of Chalpón de Motupe and the feast of the Captive Nazarene of Monsefú.
Leo XIV has described the Diocese of Chiclayo as a “school of faith, of closeness, of humanity,” emphasizing his deep love for the city in northern Peru. This special place holds a special spot in Leo XIV’s heart, and he continues to carry its spirit with him wherever he goes.
Join us in celebrating Leo XIV’s love for Peru and the Diocese of Chiclayo, and stay tuned for more updates on his upcoming apostolic visit. It’s sure to be a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience for all who attend!
